CLERMONT-FERRAND, FRANCE and CAMBRIDGE, MA--(Marketwire - November 15, 2007) - MERISTEM Therapeutics and SBH Sciences have entered an agreement to co-develop recombinant proteins produced in genetically engineered tobacco for research and development and diagnostic applications. The first proteins selected for development are human proteins from the growth factor and hormone families. Through the combined expertise of MERISTEM and SBH the companies will strive to provide a large variety of human proteins to Research and Development organizations. Meristem's experience and know-how in plant-based stable expression of proteins combined with SBH's customized purification technology will ensure speed up of production and superior quality of proteins. Proteins expressed in Meristem's system are free of pathogens transmissible to humans.